TWERB
     
 
to conventions this page was first written : 21-Feb-2009
to Abbreviations & Terminology this page was last updated: 1-Nov-2009
 
     
 
 
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The TWERB defence to a strong 1 opening

 
     
 

This convention was devised, I believe, by Steve Shepard. When the opponents open a strong 1 (say Precision, 16+) then it is desirable to compete with shapely hands. TWERB (Two-Way Exclusion Relay Bids) is a convention that shows all single-suited and two-suited hands and may sometimes exploit the fundamental weakness of strong 1 systems – that playing Precision etc. the first two bids are totally artificial (stating points and not suits/distribution).

 
     
 

As a defender, if you can find a fit quickly and pre-empt to the limit then that makes life difficult for the Precision side as they have no idea what suit(s) partner has nor if there is a fit.

 
     
 

The scheme for TWERB is that any suit bid shows either the next suit up or the two suits above that. The two non-touching suits are shown by bidding NoTrumps and double shows a strong hand: -

 
     
 

Over RHO 's 1 opening: -

 
     
 
dbl = strong, at least as strong as opener's hand
1 = 's OR 's and 's
1 = 's OR 's and 's
1 = 's OR 's and 's
2 = 's OR 's and 's
1NT = 's and 's OR 's and 's
         
The convention also applies after the bidding has started 1 pass 1 : -
         

Then, after the negative 1 response we have, by the next player: -

         
dbl = strong, at least as strong as opener's hand
1 = 's OR 's and 's
1 = 's OR 's and 's
2 = 's OR 's and 's
1 = 's OR 's and 's
1NT = 's and 's OR 's and 's
 
     
 

The convention can also be used over a 2 opening and 2 response .

 
     
  There is an excellent example of TWERB being used to good effect over a 2 opening in new-sheet 328  
  There is a decent example of TWERB being used over a strong 1 in new-sheet 364  
     
 
  Pattaya Bridge Club - www.pattayabridge.com
 
     
 
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